iPad and tablet rivals will kill netbooks, says experts

[onehandle]

Computerworld - Apple's iPad may soon put a stake in the heart of netbooks, research analysts said this week. The momentum is rapidly shifting from netbooks to tablets, said experts at Forrester Research and DisplaySearch in notes issued today and last Tuesday, respectively. And Apple's iPad is leading the charge.

Although only about 3.5 million tablets will be sold this year, by 2012 the form factor will outsell netbooks, according to Forrester's projections. By 2015, more consumers will be using slates like Apple's iPads than use the diminutive, traditional clamshell-style netbook PCs.

"Tablet growth will come at the expense of netbooks, which have a similar grab-and-go media consumption and Web browsing use case as tablets but don't synchronize data across services like the iPad does," said Sarah Rotman Epps, a Forrester analyst, in a statement Thursday. "Consumers didn't ask for tablets..., but Apple is successfully teaching consumers to want this new device."

Within five years, tablets will account for 23% of all PC sales -- Forrester classifies devices like the iPad as personal computers, even though Apple CEO Steve Jobs does not -- Epps added. DisplaySearch's shorter-term estimates on the iPad-versus-netbook battle were even more aggressive. According to the Santa Clara, Calif.-based firm, Apple's iPad accounted for about 6.5% of the netbook-tablet combined sales of 10.3 million units in the first quarter of this year.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178198/iPad_and_tablet_rivals_will_kill_netbooks_says_experts

[woo me with science]

1. Where are the inexpensive tablet rivals?

I don't see them yet.

[leeroysphitz]

2. I'm waiting for these as well.

I already have an Ipod Touch. I need a medium sized touch screen tablet that is actually a real computer.

[zipplewrath]

3. HP has been hinting at one

No out yet, but they've been making noises about taking their touch screen technology and combining it with a netbook size table PC. Taking direct aim at the i_pad.

[Touchdown]

96. HP has reportedly killed that one.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/hp-slate-killed-rumor-mill-says-yes/

At least one with Windows 7 on it. HP's acquisition of Palm and their new OS could have something to do with it, but they're not talking yet.

[Xithras]

110. Most of the Windows tablet manufacturers have dumped them.

Google has been marketing Android heavily toward the Tablet sector, and HP, Dell, & others all have projects in the works for tablet computers to compete against the iPad. The Dell Streak is a (pretty awesome) small tablet that will be out later this year. It's already been demoed and is in the hands of reviewers, so it's not vapor. The only downside to it is its small size, which Dell has already stated they plan to increase (the Dell Streak was intended as more of a pocket touchscreen computer than a tablet, so the current model is relatively small). Lenovo, HP, and others have publicly announced Android devices, which will all be on the market in the next 12 months.

There is a real question about the HP/Palm thing. One one hand, it makes sense for them to try something there, but most industry experts agree that a Palm based tablet would get slaughtered in the current Apple/Google dominated market.

Microsoft got dumped, if you're wondering, mostly because Windows 7 has such a huge hardware footprint. Apple and Google designed their operating systems to run on minimal hardware, to keep costs down and prolong battery life. Windows is a desktop OS with relatively huge disk space, processor, and memory requirements. HP dropped them because you CAN'T build a battery efficient, long lived tablet on that kind of operating system. Still, the hardware for the Slate is already designed, so the real question today is about what their plans for the platform are. Will Slate get Android? A new Palm OS? Both? Android, after all, can be dual-booted!

[ProgressiveProfessor]

6. Some have been in development for some time

There was some reluctance by other companies to commit major resources to them until the market was proven. Apple banked on their name and basically up sized their Ipod Touch to make the Ipad. In the long term I expect this will go not unlike the MP3 player market. Others will have better products with larger feature sets and lower cost but will be splintered while Apple will be the big dog.

[PM Martin]

66. I have a SanDisk MP3 player.

I prefer it to an ipod.

[EOTE]

73. That's definitely going to be a requirement before tablets replace netbooks.

I can pick up a netbook for around $200 that can do things that an iPad can't and the iPod begins at more than 2.5x the price of the netbook. Netbooks still provide far greater value. Until that changes, I don't see them going anywhere.

[lukasahero]

77. Heck, where are the expensive rivals? eom

[TheKentuckian]

4. I imagine that the netbooks will get squeezed out between pads and smartphones

Some of the phones will have up to 1.5 ghz processors this year probably and quite a few have a gig now.

The pads will also pick up as more models roll out and at some point I figure a true compromise between phone and pad will hit the market and reboot the whole industry to a central home computer and a single portable device.

[d_r]

5. there has been interations and versions of tablet computers for years

I'm sure they will keep evolving.

[TheKentuckian]

7. True, this time is different though. This time there is marketshare

and the media glows over it.

The pad isn't a fringe thing this go around and touch is at a whole other level now.

I'm more in the power phone group because I want just a single portable device but the attraction to the pad is easy to see.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

8. The key will be the ability to create content

Ipad is a overly limited consuming device. The netbooks allow you to run apps other than those deemed worthy by Apple, and create content. Those of us who want/need very portable devices will continue to use netbooks vice an enlarged Itouch with all its inherent limitations.

[woo me with science]

9. Yup.

I would like a regular PC in tablet form, really.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

10. I currenty have an touch screen PC

Its a notebook from Asus or Acer (not with me). It doesn't do the swivel thing but it was less than $1000 with a good set of features. There are touchscreen upgrades for the Aspire One netbook (non-factory) too.

If one's computing is based on web browsing, facebook, and gmail a limited tablet like Ipad may be enough.

[TheKentuckian]

11. That's why I'm an android guy lol

[ShamelessHussy]

12. That's what a laptop is for

Not that you won't be able to create on the tablets, but for heavy duty work on the road, the laptop is the answer.

[Tesha]

33. In what way can you not create (most) content on an iPad?

It offers word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Doubtless
third parties will offer HTML (etc.) content creation.

If you don't like the Apple Virtual KeyBoard, you can pair the device
with any Bluetooth hardware keyboard.

It's early days and even so, already the iPad offers substantial content
creation capabilities as well as superior content consumption capabilities.

Tesha

[PM Martin]

68. I prefer to have a one piece device.

Such as a netbook or labtop.

[PM Martin]

67. That's right. The saintly Apple likes to control and censor

things they don't like.

[Matariki]

13. I'd really like one I can use as a digital sketchbook.

in addition to everything else - ebook reader, notebook, web browser, etc - all in a super portable format. *That* would be awesome.

[ShamelessHussy]

17. there's an awesome app for that already (VIDEO)

Autodesk SketchBook Pro for iPad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ44S17mHO4

[Touchdown]

105. It's fantastic for photo editing.

My favorite app is Photogene. It even has macros, so you can knock out a whole project in no time. Drops right into the Mac/PC when you sync your iPad. The Camera Kit is necessary for loading directly from a camera, but you can sync a whole project into the iPad for editing on your couch too. With a USB/iPod sync cable, you can take it to a print kiosk and have have them printed on the go at any drug store.

You just have to put up with total strangers coming up to you, asking... "Is that one of those Pad thingys?":rofl:

[TCJ70]

107. Color splash is a good one as well! n/t

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

14. Is there really an important distinction between them?

[HopeHoops]

15. Some of us like real keys that provide real feedback when you strike them.

Maybe by the time the current generation of middle school kids learns to type 80 wpm on a flatscreen image of a keyboard, but not until then.

[Tesha]

34. Pair the iPad (and now the iPhone and iPod/Touch, BTW) with any Bluetooth keyboard. (NT)

[HopeHoops]

40. Doesn't that defeat the point? The damn iPad doesn't even have a protective cover!

Oh, right, you can buy a protective sleeve for it so you have something to juggle while you work on it, along with the external keyboard you have to lug around. No thanks. A clamshell with its own keyboard has the best built in. I've seen an iPad-like rival that is a clamshell with two LCD touch screens. You still have to type on a virtual keyboard. Too slow and error prone. Like I said, today's middle school students may one day achieve 80 wpm on those things, but until then the physical keyboard rules.

[Tesha]

48. I gave you a solution; you reject it.

At this point, most people who are actually concerned about the need for
a physical keyboard would say: "I see. It works with or without a physical
keyboard; cool!"

Face it; you don't like the iPad and/or you don't like Apple, you can
admit that to us; it won't hurt. But fabricating bullshit reasons as to
why Apple's solution is generally unsatisfactory is really just showing
either your ignorance, your prejudices, or both.

Tesha

P.S.: It's quite likely that speech-recognition technologies will render
your 80 wpm obsolete.

[HopeHoops]

52. Oh bullshit. I was doing 6502 assembly on an Apple II long before the IBM PC came out.

I've worked on damn near every Apple (and Apple OS) since the Apple II - including the Apple III (which actually did suck). I've used countless Mac's and own a Mac Mini right now with OS X (which rocks - best yet), so don't give me that "don't like Apple" crap. It isn't about Apple, it is about non-physical keyboards. Can you fucking do 80 wpm, even on a REAL keyboard? Whatever your speed is, I doubt you can come even close on one of those touch screen things. I'm yet to encounter anyone who could. And reality check for you - they've been around for years and Apple wasn't the first. The iPad just leaves you stuck with it unless you want to lug around a bluetooth keyboard with you. No thanks.

Face it, you just can't type as fast on virtual keyboards. They suck. Again, the young kids might be able to adapt to them, but until then they are sub-optimal at best. When the kids have adapted to them, they'll become the normal device. That's almost certain.

And I worked with speech recognition over 15 years ago. It wasn't bad, but it has always been REALLY slow. Even with advancements, it still is relative to typing, but I'll admit it has improved. You might squeeze 30 wpm out of it if you speak clearly and are the one who programmed it. Very few people can speak as quickly as people like me can type, so the technology will have to really catch up to compete. Your statement in the "P.S." pretty much admits that you haven't had experience with it. It isn't the holy grail that it has been hyped up to be.

As for the iPad, I think it is a really great device overall and will probably dominate the tablet market. The lack of a USB port is disturbing, but they'll fix that in a future version. But you can't compare the iPad to a laptop or netbook. They aren't even in the same realm. Different audience, different purpose, and definitely a different operating environment. You can take a netbook just about anywhere under your arm and not worry about hurting it. You need a protective cover to take an iPad anywhere hazardous (like the kitchen or out of the house).

[Cleobulus]

56. I remember speech recognition software, had it on my computer for a while...

Pain in the ass, and that's putting it mildly. First, I had to train it for my voice, which took a few hours, and then when you turned it on, background noise could easily interfere with its recognition. Granted, this was the late 1990s, so I imagined it improved quite a bit. Still don't know if I would trust it.

[BrentWil]

76. Of course not..

But that is the market they are going for. They are going for a product that people can use for light computer use

[Arkana]

116. Agreeing with this right here.

The iPad and the netbook are two completely different animals.

[Lance_Boyle]

74. Speech recognition? Hahahahahahaha!

Any more chestnuts from the late 90s about how that ever-so-promising technology will change our lives? Speech recognition failed. Miserably. Because regardless of training the best of the software could not handle conversational English.

You seem to have a great deal of interest in promoting Apple and its products. So tell me, what does the great oracle of Steve have to say about speech recognition? I think he'd probably disown your "quite likely" comment pretty quickly.

[Xithras]

114. That's a lousy solution for content creators.

Carrying a "screen" and a "keyboard" around defeats the entire notion of portable computing.

The iPad, and its competitors, will not displace netbooks. Why not? Because the largest portion of netbook users are former laptop users who are looking for something smaller and lighter to carry around. Most netbooks are used to perform "real work" on the go, which is exceptionally difficult on a virtualized keyboard. I can type at 60wpm on a regular kb, and about 40 on my smaller netbook keyboard. On a virtual screen I'm lucky to pull 15.

It's really not a problem, but this whole discussion reflects a misunderstanding of reality. Touchscreen tablets are primarily content "access" devices. You use them to access and interact with primarily existing content. Laptops and netbooks, in the portable world, are more often used as content generation devices. They perform two different tasks.

Every semester, I have students in my classes with their netbooks and laptops balanced on their narrow note tables as they furiously work on problems or transcribe notes. I can't see them trying to balance BOTH an iPad and an external keyboard on that tiny thing. The iPad is simply unsuited to high volume content entry. It's not designed for that.

[Dappleganger]

97. You'd be surprised what they can do.

However, I don't know anyone who touts typing 80 wpm on a netbook with the small keyboard. Our youngest son has one for a learning aid for the classroom and I use it on occasion, and there's no way anyone except with the smallest of hands is going to go that quickly.

Adapting to the keypad format on the iPad is fairly painless for a child, and not bad at all for an adult. I can't believe how dh and I even do it so well on the Touch. After awhile your fingers just instinctively know where to go.

[The Gunslinger]

16. I'll wait for the non apple tablets.

I don't want to pay extra for an apple logo, and be told that flash is bad for me.

[ShamelessHussy]

19. $499, not bad for a Mac + You are guaranteed an awesome experience

Apple (unlike most high-tech manufactures) focuses like a laser on their design, both the hardware, and more importantly (imho) the software.

I don't mind paying more for that... it's like the old axiom, you get what you pay for.

[proud2BlibKansan]

24. I love mine

One of neatest electronic devices I have ever owned.

[The Gunslinger]

28. $500 for the bottom barrel

A netbook has way more power and costs about 300 for a good one that I can browse all web pages on. I like the concept of the Ipad, but it can be done and done well for less.

[ShamelessHussy]

29. More like leader of the pack

I would rather have a laptop than a netbook, considering the kinda work i do (audio, video, animation, etc).

Though, I have yet to see things done as well as apple does it with their mobile products, let alone for less.

[Cleobulus]

44. Uhm, ok, where the hell are my USB ports and SD slots?

Awesome experience my ass. My netbook has 3 USB ports and a SD slot.

[Tesha]

49. Your USB slots come with an add-on accessory as does the SD slot.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/01/27/apple-has-a-solution-for-the-ipads-missing-sd-card-slot-and-usb-port-adapters/

This is a nice arrangement since it means that I, who have no use
for those features, neither need to pay for the hardware nor do I
have extra holes in the case of my iPad that either get crapped up
with dirt or need to be covered by a fragile cover.

(Nokia smartphones are famous for having both USB slots and
SD card slots, and also for having either their connector covers
fall off almost instantly or just shipping from the factory with
exposed connectors and the attendant reliability problems.)

Tesha

[Cleobulus]

55. Yeah I saw that, I hate that type of crap. Add on accessories to lose or break...

that's a perfect solution! :eyes:

[ShamelessHussy]

71. Wait for the next version

They usually continue to improve upon the original design with each iteration =)

[Dappleganger]

98. We played with one this weekend

at the Apple store. I was more than impressed with the size, how easy it is to use and how quickly the kids around me were typing on it. We're already familiar with many of the apps since we have several Touches but I'd like to see how well one can use Pages and some of the other larger apps adapted for it.

[Taitertots]

18. Ipad is the answer to the question no one asked

Let me get something that doesn't have the computation power or usability of a laptop and doesn't have the portability or convenience of a smart phone.


All it needs is a keyboard and a flip over cover to protect the screen.

[ShamelessHussy]

20. Apple has an excellent track record of skating to where the puck is going vs where it is

Reminds me of what I always say to my kids...

"always strive for uncommon sense" Something Apple epitomizes.

[Taitertots]

22. I guess some people will follow the puck no matter where it goes (apple customers)

It is a cross between a phone and a laptop. The only problem is that it can't replace either. It is uncommon sense that they could get people to buy one more electronic gizmo that doesn't do anything better than the products it aims to replace.

I can't buy an Ipad and get rid of my notebook and cell phone. I'd have to buy a Ipad in addition to both of them. Essentially it is for people with more money than good sense.

[ShamelessHussy]

25. When you generate as many sales as apple has being innovative, that is usually called SUCCESS

u said: "It is a cross between a phone and a laptop."

apples vs oranges, and that is the genius of the product, it isn't supposed to replace either one, it fits nicely right between the 2 (smart phone and laptop).

It is a great product to have in the living room, or bedroom.

Here is a good video for some other useful places for it...

The iPad and Velcro, a Match Made in Heaven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTSDPKktbUk

:hi:

[Taitertots]

27. It is just to get consumption bots to buy an additional gizmo they have no real use for

People with more money than good sense.

All those "uses" in the video are idiotic. A picture on the wall? Great use of a $500 gadget. Any phone can give you directions. What kind of idiot would use an Ipad while riding a motorcycle?

When you use abuse workers and earn a bunch of money off their suffering, that is usually called deplorable.

[ShamelessHussy]

31. That would be extraordinarily successful, but I give the users more credit than u do

insulting folks who use Internet devices, while on the Internet, seems very ironic to me.

:hi:

[Taitertots]

32. All internet devices are not created equal

I'm sure you fully understand the meaning of Irony.

[bettyellen]

45. in terms of "abusing workers" your little laptop has done just the same

but i bet you already knew that.
what bullshit

[Tesha]

37. It's the fact that it's from Apple; some people just can't get beyond that.

Maybe their livelihood depends on PCs (e.g., they do tech support).

Maybe Apple once turned them down for a job.

Maybe they think DOS was the epitome of "good design".

But after long experience with these folks, I've concluded that
the one common factor is that they're deliberately ignorant and
usually, they quickly prove it.

Tesha

[Cleobulus]

42. Apple has several bad habits when it comes to their devices, computers, etc.

They become unnecessarily restrictive in what's on their computers, how much modification can take place, etc.

Hell, the Ipad, the "media device" can't even be used to watch youtube or most other streaming video sites. Seriously, that is a serious flaw.

[Tesha]

50. Where have you been? YouTube works fine on iPhone and has for quite a while now.

Did you know that YouTube can stream H.264 video that isn't dependent
on Flash? What did you think that YouTube app (factory installed since the
iPhone 3G two years ago) was doing on the phone?

In any case, if you don't want an iPad, don't buy one. Apple will still sell
all they can manufacture without you. By the way, don't try to even bother
pre-ordering an iPhone 4 for delivery on Thursday; it won't happen 'cause
pre-orders are all sold out.

Tesha

[DirkGently]

83. Not true at all.

Ipad runs YouTube and Netflix flawlessly. You might be thinking of Adobe Flash.

[leeroysphitz]

46. Do you work for Apple?

[ShamelessHussy]

72. No. I've just been using their products for 20 years =)

[Tesha]

35. Don't look now, but iPad may really be aimed at "vertical markets".

It's a practically-ideal platform for implementing any number of applications
in vertical markets.

It's also an ideal media delivery device; for example, where people in the
past used gadgets such as 100-disc and 200-disc CD changers, they can
now park a much smaller, much more convenient, much greater capacity
iPad; we're definitely considering doing this for our home stereo systems.

Tesha

[DirkGently]

80. Just like the Iphone and the Ipod

The reason Apple's been doing so well is because it's been creating unexpected products that function well and are enjoyable to use. And the hardware is of a build quality and aethetic value unmatched in the industry.

[meegbear]

91. +1

[Touchdown]

113. I asked more than a year ago.

You're really not as clever as you think.:hi:

[krabigirl]

21. I like both.

[jp11]

23. I buy the knockoff I don't need to waste money on something to have it

first or to have the apple name on it.

As far as netbooks dying, I say good riddance.

[bigwillq]

26. I don't have any of these gadgets

and I am doing just fine!

[Martello]

30. You can't type fast with an IPAD

you have to press a button in order to activate the number function.

Besides, for people like me who type fast (70 wpm, which I believe is above average), it's impossible to type as fast with an IPAD, because you have to be staring at the keys in order to do this. I am typing without looking at the keyboard of my laptop right now.

The small elevation on top of the F and the J keys is what allows you to type without looking at the keys. This is not present in an Ipad.
If I want to writea blog entry or an email, I want to get it over with soon.

[Fumesucker]

36. I type *slower* when I look at the keys..

Quite a bit slower actually.. I still don't know where the keys are to look at them but my fingers have no problem finding them all by themselves..

[rucky]

38. yep. I need to feel the keys.

[Tesha]

39. Pair the iPad with the Bluetooth hardware keyboard of your choice. (NT)

[Cleobulus]

41. That seems to defeat the purpose of the Ipad, does it not?

Not to mention where are you supposed to lug this keyboard, and also you will need a mount for the Ipad itself so you can see the screen when you are typing. So that's at least 3 items you need to make the Ipad both functional and portable, sounds like you'll need a backpack to lug it around.

[Tesha]

51. As I explained above, no, it doesn't defeat the purpose at all.

I'm perfectly comfortable typing on the Virtual KeyBoard of the iPhone
and I'm sure I'll find the VKB of the iPad at least as good. But if I *WANT*
to use a hardware keyboard for intensive textual input, at that point I'll
pair the iPad with any of my several Bluetooth keyboards. And when
I'm done, I'll revert to using the VKB again.

The points are 1) flexibility and 2) no need to buy (and pay for) hardware
that I don't need.

"Backpack"? Are you kidding? Exaggerate much?

Tesha

[winstars]

65. The Blue Tooth keyboard is pretty small and Cool!!!

My SIL has an iPad that is awesome, she got the keyboard and was showing it to me. The keyboard on the iPad is fine mostly and the BT keyboard weighs nothing and is small.

I did try to make a joke and say to her: " Hey, wouldn't it be really cool if the somehow Apple could like sorta hinge the keyboard and the iPad together, so it was just like kinda one thingy to use and carry around." She actually sort of said "yeah that would be cool" before realizing I was describing a.......... NOTEBOOK COMPUTER!!! It was funny then, maybe not here...Anyway,

The iPad is/will be huge and if you type a lot the BT keyboard is great...;

[Dappleganger]

99. There may be an iPad case which hinges the two together.

[tranche]

69. Sounds like an iPad is not for you.

[TCJ70]

101. I've had my iPad for a few months now...

...and i type pretty dang fast with the built in keyboard. You're right about the numbers and all that but it just takes a bit of practice to be able to type without looking. That's how I typed this entire response.

[PeaceNikki]

43. Steve Jobs needs to get out of the censoring bullshit in order for that to happen.

http://gawker.com/5563119/apples-gay-culture-bans-dont-make-it-moral-or--pure

"Having flailed about ineffectively in attempting to police the content, all Apple needs to make this story complete is a law suit alleging harm from exposure to uncensored content.

By attempting to censor content, Apple has already made admissions that they think there is such a thing as bad or harmful content, and further that they think Apple is responsible for harmful content on the iPad/iPhone. All they need now is an injured party."

Both ISPs and and Apple are similar in this regard, and the situation is best framed in reference to ISPs and their "common carrier" status, or loss thereof.

If an ISP just transports bulk data (like they should), they are considered a "common carrier" and are not legally liable for the data they transport. Once they try and filter content, they lose that legal safeguard, and can be held liable for any content they fail to filter which may be illegal.

Don't tell him that his devices have integrated browsers with full access. If he were serious about "protecting the children", he'd allow all content and add parental controls.

[Touchdown]

111. I don't understand this argument. There is no porno ban on iPads.

HE's not approving of apps that are pornographic. But that's a far cry from banning porn.

You only need iPad 4 apps for most porn.
Movie player- included
Photo Album- included
PDF reader- $0-$3 in the app store.
Book reader- iBooks=free, Amazon Kindle App=also free.

Who, but a mental 12 year old really needs a boobie jiggler app, much less sees this as a compelling argument against a computer device?:eyes:

[Cleobulus]

47. Other tablets might, but not the iPad itself...

Too restrictive, and too proprietary.

I have a tablet PC, and I can sync with my desktop, stream videos from it seamlessly, view all video websites I want, install full applications from numerous sources, have USB ports, can send documents off to print through network with no trouble, word processing is seamless and fast once used to the keyboards slight variations from standard QWERTY. Has SD card slot to increase memory capacity(already 160 gigabytes), and transfer files quickly. Has wifi, etc. and over 7 hour battery life.

If a tablet PC came out with all these features, excepting the Keyboard, it can be an accessory, then that could possibly be a netbook killer, until then, don't hold your breath.

[ShamelessHussy]

53. that is what was said about the iPod when it first came out, then the iPhone, and now the iPad

but according to recent iPad sales figures, it looks like the nay sayers are wrong, again.

and it is not just good marketing (though they certainly have that, too) it is the products they produce. It is in their DNA to make things that are well designed, and easy to use. And they focus on those 2 core competencies like a laser, which translates to superior products.

I know it is a natural tendency for some to want to tear down those at the top, but I have found great success in identifying what is the best out there, and then trying to learn from them, and I can say that I have learned a great deal from apple over the years, which has directly contributed to my own personal success, the least of which is using their tools.

I've been working with computers for over 20 years now, and currently use 3 different OS's in my daily workflow (Windows, Linux, and Mac) and I can confidently say that I get the most pleasure when I am working on my Mac, where even though the specs are all comparable, when it comes to the attention to detail, and making my life EASIER, the Mac comes through consistently in both areas.

Either way, it is just a tool, and I hope whichever tool you use brings you as much satisfaction as my experience does.

:hi:

BTW: No, I am not affiliated with Apple in anyway, just a thoroughly satisfied customer.

[Cleobulus]

54. They created markets, more or less, not really killed anything else...

iPod is a classic example of this, it was the first MP3 player to hit the mainstream, and it became popular partially because there was no device that was as easy to use in its niche of music playing. It had virtually no competition since then either, it was the first to do it right.

The iPad, on the other hand, is much more generalized device, more like a tablet PC, which have never been that popular to begin with, so it may succeed in the tablet PC market where everything else failed. However, its not, and cannot be, a direct competitor to netbooks, they have much better and more full functionality, not least of which being they can run unmodified programs for Windows or Linux and not have to go through an app store.

[ShamelessHussy]

60. remember the walk man? and all the other MP3 players on the market, for years before the iPod? And

apple certainly did not invent cell phones, or even 'smart' phones, that market was well established, too when the iPhone came out.

and now we have the tablet, granted a new market, but apple isn't the first to ever make one, however, I am willing to bet they quickly become the leader, and set the standard that ever one else will try to follow (a good thing) so then i will be reading for the next few years about the latest iPad 'killer'... just like i did for the previous 2 products.

[Cleobulus]

62. I think that is what I'm saying, it will probably become a leader in the tablet market...

not the netbook market, two different markets, two different needs.

[DirkGently]

93. Except, of course, that it's already happening.

So no one really HAS to hold their breath. There will always be competition, and that's a good thing. But the people left holding their breath on this one are the Apple haters still screaming that the Ipad will flop, when it's already a gigantic success, and picking up steam.

[Liberal_in_LA]

57. I got a net book recently. It meets my needs - internet, word, excel

[Cleobulus]

58. Exactly, why would I pay more for less functionality? n/t

[Liberal_in_LA]

59. I'd only need a more powerful laptop or such if I were a 'gamer' but I hate those games

so all is well.

[Cleobulus]

61. That's what my desktop is for.

A netbook is perfect for word processing, watching videos, etc.

[alfredo]

63. 16 days until mine arrives.

[PM Martin]

64. I'll stay with netbooks and labtops.

The keypad is more viable functionally and the ipad does not have a protective cover.
Personally, I am tired of hearing about Apple. Their products are produced in the same factories as PC-compatible electronics, and the PC-compatibles are more user friendly that Apple.
Personally, I still prefer labtops and desktops. I have much work to do and anything without a keyboard is of no value to me. Apple has made it's fortunes in the entertainment device business.

[DirkGently]

85. It's not like a netbook is substantially more functional

Chicklet keys vs. virtual didn't help Blackberry win vs. the Iphone. Ipad's not a hardcore productivity device. It's a web and a/v mediat device. And in addition to those entertainment devices, Apple has long dominated in publishing, film, and graphic arts production arenas. Most serious graphics or publishing shops are Mac environments.

And whatever the factory, Apple builds physically more solid products. You won't find many non-Apple devices made of aluminum monocoque and stainless steel. I gave up on the non-Apple world when my second HP laptop snapped a (plastic) hinge in every day use and because unworkable.

[tranche]

70. I hate the iPad, Avatar, and anything remotely popular.

In fact, if I find anyone around me starting to use the same devices or listening to the same music that I like, I stop immediately.

[Touchdown]

112. I bet you have Journey's Frontiers in your CD collection.

:rofl:

[DirkGently]

75. Wouldn't surprise me. I know of a law firm that's already

decided to replace partners' netbooks with iPads and send the netbooks to associates. No question hard keys make typing easier, but the iPad is remarkably powerful, not to mention sleek and fun to use. I don't think anyone besides diehard anti-Apple iconoclasts is discounting that this device is a game-changer.

[walldude]

78. Really? Then why did Apple just release the MINI MAC?

I mean if they were killing the netbook market then why did they just release a netbook?

I have figured out over the years that you cannot count on anything in the computer world. Anyone who thinks they have a crystal ball into the technology's future is seriously kidding themselves.

[DirkGently]

79. Mac mini's not a netbook

It uses a separate monitor and keyboard, like a desktop.

[alfredo]

81. The mini is for the living room. Attach it to your TV and

use it there. I do that from time to time for movies. Usually it is down here as a general use computer.

[Dappleganger]

106. The Mini was just updated.

Unfortunately they also decided to up the price as well, but essentially it has the same specs as a Macbook w/out the display. We LOVE our Minis are able to accomplish quite a bit on them (we have two, one a couple years older than the other). I did upgrade the memory and then we run them on external, fast hard drives to make them more efficient. They use very little energy which suits our needs quite well. For more graphics-intensive needs I have a four year old MacBook Pro which aside from a bad hard drive, has worked perfectly.

I also have a working Cube as a home server...the original 'Mini'.

[Touchdown]

115. This is not a netbook

[Prometheus Bound]

82. "Apple is successfully teaching consumers to want this new device."

Doesn't that make you want to reject it even if it is cute?

[DirkGently]

84. Doesn't that view assume that "invention" is a bad thing?

Otherwise, no one would make anything that someone else hadn't already thought of. Boring world, no?

[Prometheus Bound]

94. No it doesn't. And I'm not sure the ipad is an invention.

[DirkGently]

95. Can't have it both ways

If you contend that it's somehow a bad thing for Apple to come out with the Ipad when it's not something the public specifically asked for, you can't also try to say that the thing is not, at the very least, original.

And if everyone followed that logic, there would be no invention or innovation.

What a boring world if all tech companies produced were more versions of the same junk.

Face it. As obnoxious as Apple can be, all the cherished Apple-bashing memes fall pretty flat in the face of not just the overwhelming popularity of its recent products, but the actual quality.

The most an Apple iconoclast can claim these days is that they prefer a copycat product they contend has done what Apple already did, better. May be true, but that still leaves Apple as the world's leading innovator in these digital consumer products.

[Prometheus Bound]

121. I don't think I implied that it was a bad thing for Apple to offer the ipad.

I can't imagine anyone thinking there's anything bad about it in that sense.

I just reacted to the statement by the writer that consumers have to be 'taught to want something'. Maybe if he had said something like 'the benefits have to be explained' or 'Once consumers understand the functions and convenience they realize how useful it is' I wouldn't have said a thing.

Can you imagine a salesperson at an Apple shop coming up and saying, "Here, I'm going to teach you how to want this new device." I'd tell her, "Don't patronize me. Just show me how it works."

[DirkGently]

122. Agreed.

And there is an undeniable element of smug in Apple's insistence that it knows what people want, and what they'll do without. A mid-high-end desktop with no Blu-Ray player? No Flash support? Yup. And still, they come which suggests that at least in some cases, Apple knows what people want better than the people do.

[seabeckind]

90. I think I'd agree

Rather than selling something customers need, it's easier to convince them they need what you sell. It goes along with the idea of diminished expectations, like quality of a cell phone camera. Or quality of iPod audio.

Or the quality of a cell phone for verbal communications.

Or an SUV.

Or a republican candidate.

Then again, the whole idea of product development where the primary intent is to provide for monopolization, rather than standardization. Eg, iPhone vs Blackberry -- if I have these products wrong, please speak up. I don't use or care about either. For calendaring I use a paper one stuck to a door. For GPS, I use...

[DirkGently]

92. That implies hype over substance. Not really the case with

the Ipad, in my opinion. In fact, that whole element of the sort of Down With Apple mentality is a canard. People don't snap up Iphones and Ipods and Imacs because they've been hypnotized by Steve Jobs, whereas if they only thought clearly, they'd see that what they really need is a cheaper, less innovative, less intuitive product with more plastic and more reliability issues.

Creating something that works in a way that appeals to people is not hype. It's good design. Microsoft, Gateway, et al. should look into it.

:)

[4lbs]

86. For the cost of an iPad, I can get a full-fledged notebook that does nearly everything.

Why would I want an iPad again?

[DirkGently]

88. It's not the notebooks getting squeezed out

... it's the netbooks. A modern laptop is a full-bore computer, suitable for everything from heavy word processing to video production. A netbook aims to be smaller, lighter, and more portable, but does so with a small screen and tiny hard keys. The Ipad is something else altogether. Solid build, hand-held, designed for ultra-portable net browsing, e-reading, e-mail, music, video streaming, and a variety of applications.

And as such, it does some things that notebooks and netbooks can't. You can download a novel on a laptop, but are you going to use it to read one? You can view websites on a screen attached to a clamshell case, but once you've picked up the device and held it like a book, it seems incredibly awkward to do it that way.

And the "fun" factor doesn't illegitimize a device like this. One Ipad app lets you hold an accurate, real-time map of the night sky up to show you what constellations you're looking at in real time. Frivoluous? Maybe. But it's a taste of the type of thing this form factor can do that a traditional clamshell 'n keyboard design can't.

The medical field is jumping on this device as well -- look for med students and doctors to carry these instead of clipboards in the future. Iphones are already a near-requirement in med school the same reason. Dragging a folding computer around from patient to patient just won't work.

[Touchdown]

102. That isn't the point of an iPad.

Some of us don't want or need a notebook that does everything. We already have desktops that do everything. Why would I want a notebook again?

[mainer]

87. I find the iPad clumsy to hold and watch

It's hard to prop up, and it made my wrists ache, holding it while reading.

If they'd just add those cool iPad aps to a MacAir, I'd be happy. Plus, I'd get a real keyboard.

[DirkGently]

89. It's a belly-top computer

Rest lightly on your stomach, be it abby or flabby, and enjoy. No less awkward than holding a book open. And it's lit and stays flat.

[Touchdown]

100. I am laughing hysterically at all the "You can't, you can't" posts here.

I've had an iPad for almost 2 months now, and I certainly can.:rofl:

[TCJ70]

103. I just wonder how many people here have actually tried one...

...and had someone at an Apple Store give them a demo. That might open some eyes...

[Touchdown]

109. Judging by the ignorance of what it can do in this thread alone, I'd say very few.

... but isn't that par for the course? It's the internet, so everybody's an expert without ever leaving their room.

[lazarus]

118. I've played with one

and have no interest in owning one, either. My father has one and let me play with it.

It's not as convenient for music as my iPod, it doesn't do computer stuff as well as my laptop, and isn't as good an e-reader as my Kindle. I have no needs that the iPad fills.

Also, iAds freaks me right the hell out.

[Touchdown]

119. Ok. Your personal needs are not what mine are.

And isn't that what it's supposed to be about? I have no laptop, but I do have a need for a portable computer not as bulky or the prefect replicant of my desktop.

What I am objecting to is the paternalistic tone of most of the posts here... that if it isn't right for them, then it is not right for ANYBODY and any other person who would like one is not only wrong, but also a traitor, a child molester, a cult member and smells bad... and should be flogged and executed by firing squad.

I don't get the "not as good an e-reader" bit of yours. The only difference between the two devices is the screen. Amazon's iPad app is the exact same program as what's on the Kindle device. Android has had an iAds equivalent for more than a year. I never saw you or anyone else complain about that, until Apple said "good idea!".

[lazarus]

120. it's different

for one thing, the Kindle isn't backlit. It's much easier to read. I know I can't stare at a backlit screen for hours at a time. Also, the battery on my Kindle lasts weeks, as opposed to hours. Finally, the Kindle is much lighter. I found the iPad to be too heavy for one-handed reading, whilst my Kindle is perfect.

As for iAds, I didn't know that Android was shutting down the device until you interacted with the ad, which is a feature specifically spelled out in the iAds paperwork I read. That's what gets me. Your device can be hijacked until you consume whatever advertising they want you to consume.

I also prefer openness. I don't even like the fact that I have to use iTunes for my iPod Nano, but that's not too bad. But the stuff I've read about Apple's app store shenanigans is enough to turn me off anything more complicated than a Nano from Apple.

I will not, however, say that anyone else is foolish for liking an iPad or iPhone or anything like that. I just don't see a need for it in my life. Everything I think would improve it enough to make me want one basically turns it into a different device.

:hi: I don't agree with the paternalistic tone, either, btw.

[fishbulb703]

104. I think the iPad will be a fad, and netbooks are here to stay. nt

[Dappleganger]

108. Many said that about the iPod and iPhone, too. nt

[fishbulb703]

117. Who said that? nt